Christian from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, what characteristics does a typical Packers fan display, and what is it about the Packers organization that draws out those particular characteristics?
Packers fans are at the extreme in two categories: Loyalty and fear of losing. I applaud the first and try to ease the second. I think I've failed. What is it about the Packers that promotes these characteristics? What causes one person to fall madly in love with another?
Theologos from Athens, Greece
Vic, which of the college quarterbacks do you think has the most upside for a successful professional career?
I watched Deshaun Watson very closely last Saturday. He's the guy who intrigues me the most. There have been times I've watched him play and came away thinking he was just another bubble screen college quarterback. Other times, I've come away thinking he has rare tools that can be adapted to the pro game. Last Saturday, I came away with the highest opinion of his talent. He throws a great deep ball. He's got excellent touch. Last Saturday, he showed me he can drive the ball outside the numbers on the intermediate routes. Mostly, he proved he can hit the honey hole. He's not as powerful looking as Donovan McNabb, but he moves with McNabb-like grace and ease. Watson is athletic and I saw nothing in his mechanics that jumped out at me. I think he's on a par with where Marcus Mariota was at this point last season. My only criticism of Watson is I'm not crazy about his body language. It's a little soft for my tastes.
Gary from Davenport, IA
Vic, I remember a Monday night game that ended with a blocked field goal return for a touchdown, and you must have been there. It was Pittsburgh at Jacksonville and I believe Pittsburgh was down by two points and the potential game-winning field goal was blocked and returned for a touchdown as time ran out. Do you remember that game?
Yeah, it was 1997 and the first of two sensational games between the Jaguars and Steelers that year. What I remember most about Chris Hudson's return of the blocked field goal attempt is he ran down the Steelers sideline and Bill Cowher took a step onto the field and drew his fist back as Hudson ran by. It was a playful gesture. What amazed me is how many people honestly thought Cowher was considering punching Hudson. It confirmed to me fans want drama and controversy. So, if that's what they want, give it to them.
Brad from Parker, CO
When a backup quarterback suddenly gets thrust into a starting role, such as with Brock Osweiler in Denver, how long does it typically take for future opponents to get enough tape on them to learn their tendencies and adjust the defensive schemes?
George Perles was fond of saying football coaches aren't that smart, "That's why MIT doesn't have a football team," but now MIT has a football team, so I guess coaches are smarter these days. I'll say four games.
Darren from Mackinaw, IL
It's a game of physical confrontation and beating the man in front of you. How is the team able to improve on these things this late in the season?
Each player works at becoming more proficient at his craft. If he fails in his attempt, he runs the risk of being replaced before next season begins, or sooner. It's a game of replacement. As a former GM friend of mine was fond of saying, "Get 'em good or get 'em gone."
Ken from Des Moines, IA
One of the things that frustrates fans, I believe, is how a team can look like a world-beater one week and a chump the next. It doesn't seem possible the Lions, for example, could beat the Packers simply because the players played better than they had been playing. Is it because we fail to appreciate how little separates most teams in terms of talent?
It's about matchups. Scheme personnel.
David from Fenton, MO
Vic, what's wrong?
If you're talking about the passing game, I answered that question this morning. If you're talking about the general state of the Packers, nothing is wrong, as long as the Packers begin winning. The Packers are in control of their own destiny, and a division title would put this team in position to make a postseason run. If you're talking about my inbox … have you ever seen The Exorcist?
Cooper from Phoenix, AZ
Vic, do the players practice with their gloves on? They shouldn't. It might help with the drops.
I love it! This is the kind of intelligent commentary this column has been lacking since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye. If I had a thing, I'd send it to you.
